Most people who menstruate get their period every 21-35 days. However, there are times when it might be late, and you want to induce it yourself. There might be times when you wish to delay it due to some events. Anticipating periods can be incredibly stressful. However, there are some home remedies to get periods.
Reasons Why Your Period Might Be Delayed
It can be nerve-wracking to not get your period within the 21 to 35-days cycle. There are various plausible reasons for delayed or missed periods, including:
- Stress
- Low or high body weight
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
- Chronic conditions such as celiac diseases or diabetes
- Hormonal contraceptives
- Pregnancy
- Thyroid issues
- Menopause
What to Eat to Get Periods Fast?
It is understandable if you do not want to delay or induce your period medication. There are natural methods that can help you. For this, you need to know what to eat to get periods. It is recommended to eat emmenagogues or foods that help induce a period.
These herbs stimulate blood flow to the pelvic area and uterus, stimulating menstruation. You can eat the following foods to get your period:
1. Jaggery
Its warming properties help warm the body up from the inside, bringing on and easing your period. It also releases endorphins in your body, making cramps more bearable.
2. Vitamin C
Eating fruits rich in Vitamin C can help induce your periods. This is because the ascorbic acid in vitamin C stimulates oestrogen, leading to the onset of your period.
3. Ginger
The nutrients in ginger help balance your hormones, thereby regulating your period flow.
4. Turmeric
Turmeric’s antispasmodic effect on the body helps expand the uterus and induce your period.
5. Coffee
The caffeine in coffee helps stimulate oestrogen and increase the blood flow to your pelvic area. It also helps relieve period cramps.
6. Beetroots
Rich in iron, calcium, and folic acid, beetroots help promote blood flow to your uterus.
7. Carom Seeds/Ajwain
Ajwain helps relax your muscles. Consequently, this makes it easier for your period to start.
8. Parsley
Apiol and myristicin in parsley stimulate the contractions in the uterus, making your period begin.
9. Cumin
Cumin has similar properties to parsley and works, in the same way, to bring on your period.
10. Papaya
The carotene in papaya helps stimulate the uterus and oestrogen production. This promotes the period to begin early.
11. Celery
The nutrients in celery encourage blood flow to the uterus.
12. Coriander Seeds
Due to their emmenagogue properties, the seeds are one of the most effective ways to induce your period.
13. Fennel Seeds/Saunf
Not only does saunf encourage blood flow to the uterus, but it can also ease cramps.
14. Fenugreek Seeds/Methi
Rich in isoflavones, methi encourages oestrogen production. This helps induce menstruation.
15. Pineapple
Pineapple contains the enzyme bromelain, which helps soften the uterus lining. It also aids in generating white and red blood cells, improving blood flow.
What to Eat During Periods?
You’ve got your periods. Now, what to eat during periods to ease the flow and cramps? Here are some easy-to-adopt suggestions:
1. Water
Staying hydrated allows you to avoid headaches during menstruation. It also helps to stop bloating.
2. Green Leafy Vegetables
If you have a heavy period, you might experience an iron deficiency. Hence, eating green leafy vegetables help increase iron levels in your body. This will help you feel less fatigue, body pain, and dizziness.
3. Chicken
Rich in iron and protein, chicken also helps curb cravings during your period.
4. Fish
You can also counteract low iron levels in your body with fish. This is because fish is rich in protein, iron, and omega-3 fatty acids. It also helps improve cramps and pain during your period.
5. Turmeric
The main active ingredient in turmeric is curcumin, which makes turmeric anti-inflammatory. It helps relieve PMS symptoms.
6. Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate not only tastes good but is also rich in magnesium and iron. Magnesium helps reduce the severity of PMS symptoms.
7. Nuts
Nuts are a rich source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids. They also contain magnesium and other vitamins that can help ease pain during your period.
8. Lentils and Beans
Vegans and vegetarians can depend on lentils and beans as a source of protein. They are also rich in iron.
9. Yoghurt
Probiotic-rich foods can help those prone to yeast infections. It is also rich in magnesium and calcium, which help with PMS symptoms.
10. Tofu
This is another great source of protein for vegans and vegetarians. It is also rich in calcium, magnesium, and iron.
What Not to Eat During Periods?
Now that you know what to eat to induce your period and during your period, what not to eat during periods?
1. Salt
Salt contributes to water retention. This leads to bloating. If you wish to reduce bloating, avoid adding salt to your food. Also, avoid highly processed foods that contain high levels of sodium.
2. Sugar
Excess sugar can result in an energy spike and crash. This may make your mood worse. If you often feel anxious or depressed during your period, it is advisable to regulate your sugar intake.
3. Coffee
It is completely fine if you are used to drinking coffee, and it suits you. However, if you don’t regularly drink coffee, it might result in headaches, bloating and diarrhoea.
4. Alcohol
Avoid drinking alcohol during your period as it will dehydrate you, worsen your mood, make you feel nauseated and induce diarrhoea. It will also make you feel more tired.
5. Spicy Foods
Spicy foods can upset your stomach, leading to diarrhoea and stomach pain.
6. Red Meat
Red meat is rich in prostaglandins, which can cause cramps. This will make it difficult to get rid of your uterine lining.
7. Foods You Are Intolerant To
If you have any kind of food sensitivities, you must avoid them, especially during your period. For example, if you are lactose intolerant, avoid dairy products so it doesn’t trigger any issues in your body.
Home Remedies to Get Periods Fast
By now, you might know what to eat to get heavy period flow. You can pair it up with these alternative remedies to ease the symptoms of a heavy period:
1. Exercise
Light cardio and yoga can help reduce menstrual cramps. This is because exercise warms up the muscles, thereby loosening cramped and contracted muscles in your pelvic area.
2. Hot Compresses
Similarly, heat from hot water bottles and heating pads can soothe pain in your abdomen and back.
3. Over-the-Counter Medication
Your gynaecologist might recommend certain OTC meds like ibuprofen or paracetamol to ease your pain.
4. Massages
Studies show that If you have severe pain due to endometriosis, you might feel better after massaging your stomach and back.
Dangers of Trying to Induce a Period if Pregnant
If there is any possibility that you are pregnant, trying to induce a period may result in the termination of your pregnancy. If you think you might be pregnant, do not consume emmenagogues. Visit your healthcare professional immediately.
When to See a Doctor To Prepone Periods
When home remedies to get periods fail, it is time to visit your doctor. If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical assistance:
- Possibility of pregnancy
- Three consecutive missed periods
- Periods stopping before 45 years of age
- Periods continuing after 55 years of age
- Bleeding in between periods or after sex
- Sudden changes in the period
- Postmenopausal bleeding
- Bleeding during hormonal replacement therapy
Summing Up on What to Eat to Get Periods Fast
It is natural to be worried about your period coming on time. However, there are various reasons why it may be early or late. If you do not know what to eat to get periods, you can follow our list, and you are sure to induce your period naturally.
FAQs
Which Fruit Is Best to Get Periods?
If you are wondering what to eat to get periods, we recommend papaya and pineapple.
How Much Delay in Periods Is Normal?
You should get your period within 38 days at least. If you have a regular period, a delay of up to 3 days is considered normal.
Can You Skip a Period and Not Be Pregnant?
Yes, there are other possible causes for a skipped period. Hormonal imbalance, birth control, weight loss, stress, health conditions, and trauma might delay or skip your period.
Do Bananas Delay Your Period?
No, bananas do not delay your period.
Can Workout Affect Periods?
Yes, Workouts may affect your periods. Exercising leads to changes in hormone levels. Some people experience breakthrough bleeding when they start working out. Others might have a lighter flow depending on how intensely they work out.
References
- Mahboubeh Valiani, Niloofar Ghasemi, 2010; The effects of massage therapy on dysmenorrhea caused by endometriosis - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/labs/pmc/articles/PMC3093183/
- A B Loucks, June 1990; Effects of exercise training on the menstrual cycle: existence and mechanisms - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2199748/
